Caesar Salad Smash Tacos combine crispy smashed beef, fresh romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan for an easy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner everyone will love.
1poundground beef(80/20 beef is best) or opt for ground turkey
1teaspoonpaprika
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonblack pepper
66" flour or corn tortillas
⅓cupCaesar dressingstore-bought or homemade
2cupsromaine lettucechopped
½cupParmesan cheesegrated
Optional: lemon or lime for zest and juice
Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix the ground meat, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Do not overwork the meat.
Shape the meat into 6 small meatballs. Each ball will correspond to one tortilla.
Heat a large skillet over high heat.
Smash a meatball onto a tortilla, pressing down firmly with a flat spatula so the meat spreads into a thin, even layer that almost covers the tortilla (like a pancake). Place in the hot skillet, meat side down. Let it cook 1 minute then press again and let it cook undisturbed for another 2-3 minutes. The meat should be crisp on the outside when you turn it.
Flip the tortilla, meat side up, and cook 2 minutes or until the tortilla edges begin to crisp. You can opt to sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top here as well as after assembly.
Transfer the finished tortilla smash burger to a plate. Repeat with the remaining meatballs and tortillas.
To assemble, brush or squeeze some Caesar dressing over the top of each smash burger. Top with a handful of romaine and a sprinkle of Parmesan. If you like, you can add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Serve immediately with optional sides like refried beans or corn and black bean salad.
Notes
STORE/REHEATIt is best to store the components separately.Store the cooked beef and tortillas in their own airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan separately as well.Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Briefly warm the tortillas, rolled in a damp paper towel, in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before assembling.Freezing is not recommended.